Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini in a flavorful tomato and cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and fresh spinach, this one-pan meal is both comforting and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Finishing Ingredients
- 1 package (9-ounce) fresh cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and heated through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until the leaves are wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili peppers.
- Fresh tortellini is preferred for best texture, but frozen can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and verify that the broth and sausage contain no gluten ingredients.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lower-fat Parmesan alternative.
